Master The Hideout’s Signature Improv Style
The Hideout’s Signature Narrative Series
NARRATIVE ONE: TELLING A STORY
In the intro class of our narrative improv series, you’ll dive headfirst into what might be the most difficult work we do at the Hideout: long-form narrative. Through games, exercises and training formats, you’ll learn the basic elements of improvising a 30-minute story: who is the story about, what kind of story is it, when to explore and when to move things along, and how to get out of your own way and let your natural storytelling instincts take over. Classes run once a week (2.5 hours) for six weeks, limit 10 students. NARRATIVE ONE culminates in a student showcase.
(Prereq: Levels 1-6)
NARRATIVE TWO: STORY IN A GENRE
Now that you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to drill down into a specific genre or narrative format. The second level in our Narrative series will pick a specific style of storytelling (Noir, buddy cop, soap opera, after-school special, etc.) and spend six weeks giving you the tools and techniques to knock it out of the park. Throughout the year we offer a variety of different Narrative 201 classes exploring different formats and genres. Whatever the format, we’ll continue to work on sustaining the playfulness and effortlessness that makes it all fun for the players and fun for the audience. Classes run once a week (2.5 hours) for six weeks, limit 10 students. Narrative Two culminates in a student showcase.
(Prereq: Levels 1-6 & Narrative 1)
NARRATIVE THREE: FORGETTING THE STORY
In the third class in our narrative series, you’ll work on forgetting all the rules and best practices you’ve learned in the first two levels. Or at least letting go of them for a while so you can get back to joyful, playful, mischievious improv that just happens to tell a story over a long period of time. Build the stupid-simple habits necessary to get out of your own way and let the story flow through you. Classes run once a week (2.5 hours) for six weeks, limit 10 students. Narrative Three culminates in a student showcase.
(Prereq: Levels 1-6 & Narrative 1-2)
Classes FAQ
Q: Am I ready for Narrative?
A: All classes after Level Three require a teacher thumbs up to move on, so check in with your teacher, but otherwise, yeah, you’re probably good to go. …more info
Q: How do I get more stage time?
A: Maestro is every Saturday. Maestro Raw is on Saturdays every other month. Every two months is a new student mainstage show and cast. Form a troupe and get on the Hideout schedule. Check out jams at the Hideout and other theaters around town. …more info
Q: How do I get plugged into the Hideout community?
A: Go to the parties and socialize after shows (whether you’re performing or watching). Volunteer to help out with the weekend shows. Buy your instructors a drink! …more info
Q: What can I do for the Hideout?
A: Help us spread the good word of improv by dragging people to shows and classes. And connect us with companies and organizations that would benefit from business training or entertainment. …more info